Beating Procrastination: A Guide to Getting Things Done

We all procrastinate from time to time. Whether it’s scrolling through social media instead of revising, or suddenly deciding your room must be cleaned before tackling an essay, the struggle between delaying work and staying on top of things is real.

But here’s the good news: procrastination isn’t a permanent flaw. It’s a habit and like any habit, it can be changed. This guide is here to help you outsmart the urge to put things off, and instead, stay motivated, organised, and on track with your studies.

Know Your Enemy

Before you can overcome procrastination, you need to understand it. Procrastination often stems from fear, fear of failure, of not doing something perfectly, or simply of starting something difficult. Sometimes it’s down to a lack of motivation or feeling overwhelmed. Recognising why you’re procrastinating is the first step towards changing your approach.

Break Big Tasks into Smaller Chunks

Looking at a massive assignment or looming exam can feel overwhelming. Break it down. Instead of thinking, “I need to revise all of Maths,” try, “Today I’ll review probability and do five practice questions.” Small, manageable steps make it easier to start and once you’ve started, it’s much easier to keep going.

Set Clear, Realistic Goals

Setting achievable goals with sensible deadlines can give you direction and reduce stress. Be honest about how much time you have and how long things will take. Use short-term goals to build towards larger ones, and celebrate hitting each milestone even the small ones.

Create a Distraction-Free Workspace

Your environment matters. Whether you prefer studying at a desk, in the library, or at the kitchen table, make sure your space is tidy, quiet, and free of distractions. Keep your phone out of reach if it’s a source of temptation or use productivity apps that help limit usage.

Try the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is simple: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer break. This method helps you stay focused without burning out and can be especially helpful if you struggle with concentration.

Use the Eisenhower Matrix to Prioritise

Divide your tasks into four categories:

• Urgent and Important
• Important but Not Urgent
• Urgent but Not Important
• Neither Urgent nor Important

This method helps you figure out what needs your attention now and what can wait or even be dropped altogether.

Work When You Work Best

Everyone has different peak productivity hours. Maybe you’re sharpest in the morning, or perhaps the evening is your time to shine. Identify when you’re most alert and focused, and plan to tackle your hardest tasks during those hours.

Reward Yourself

Build in small rewards to keep yourself motivated. Finished a chunk of revision? Take a short walk, have a snack, or watch an episode of your favourite series. Rewards help reinforce positive habits and make studying a little more enjoyable.

Find a Study Group

Working with someone else can make studying less lonely and more productive. Whether it’s comparing notes, testing each other, or just keeping each other company, study groups create accountability and can make you less likely to drift off task.

Adopt a Growth Mindset

Mistakes and setbacks aren’t signs of failure,  they’re part of the learning process. Shifting your mindset from “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this yet” encourages persistence and makes it easier to bounce back when things don’t go perfectly.

Visualise the End Goal

Sometimes the best motivation is imagining how great it will feel when the task is done. Picture handing in your coursework on time, smashing that exam, or simply enjoying the weekend without guilt. Focusing on the outcome helps push you through the tough bits.

Learn to Say No

Your time and energy are limited. While it’s important to enjoy life and spend time with friends, it’s equally important to know your limits. Saying “no” to one social event can sometimes mean saying “yes” to your wellbeing, your goals, and your future success.

Look Back to Move Forward

Think about a time when you overcame procrastination and achieved something you were proud of. Remind yourself that you can do it again. Reflecting on past wins builds your confidence and reminds you what you’re capable of.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you’re really stuck, speak up. Whether it’s a teacher, a friend, or someone at home, reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a smart way to move forward. There are always people willing to support you; you just have to ask.

Remember You’re in Control

Overcoming procrastination doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a skill you build over time. Start small, stay consistent, and be kind to yourself. Sixth form can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you’ll not only stay on top of things,  you’ll thrive.